Nigeria’s service chiefs laid bare the critical challenges facing the nation’s security apparatus at The House of Representatives, on Tuesday. The heads of the military and police forces, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, presented a comprehensive overview of the pressing issues confronting the nation’s security.
Chief of Naval Staff Ogalla drew attention to the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities in coastal areas, urging the National Assembly to intervene. He emphasized that improved monitoring of backwaters, creeks, and coastal hinterlands would enable the continuous tracking of illicit refining, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism.
Inspector General of Police Egbetokun highlighted several challenges faced by the police force, including inadequate training, insufficient patrol vehicles, poor personnel welfare, and logistical shortcomings. The gravity of these issues was underscored as he addressed the lawmakers.
Chief of Defence Staff Musa shed light on the financial constraints faced by the military, revealing that all military personnel, including himself, receive a meager N1,500 daily for feeding. Musa called for increased collaboration with the judiciary to prevent the release of convicts on technical grounds and proposed the establishment of special tribunals for handling high-level criminals.
Expressing concern over the nation’s safety, General Musa emphasized the need for diplomatic action against perceived threats, citing Simon Ekpa as a specific risk. Furthermore, he advocated for increased state control over illegal mining to facilitate better management and regulation.
The security chiefs’ appearance at the green chamber marked a significant shift from the previous week when lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with their absence and instead sent representatives. The engagement provided a platform for direct interaction, enabling lawmakers to gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by Nigeria’s security apparatus.
